Hahndorf traders struggle to survive amid ongoing border closures and Covid restrictions

One of South Australia’s top destinations is fighting to survive, with at least 10 businesses failing under the weight of Covid rules and border closures.

One of South Australia’s top tourist destinations is fighting to survive, with at least 10 businesses shutting in the wake of Covid-19 restrictions and border closures.

Hahndorf business owners say they have been left frustrated and helpless by border crackdowns, which have crippled the interstate visitor market.

They are desperate for borders to reopen and for restrictions to ease.

Several businesses have closed, including speciality shop Buzz Honey, which shut its doors on the weekend.

Gone Bush Boot and Clothing Co also announced on Monday it would close by October 31, with restrictions making the business “unviable”.

Curio Books, Our Plate Restaurant, Hahndorf Play Cafe, The Katze of Hahndorf and Gallery Gifts have also closed.

Hahndorf traders rally together: Rachel McEwee (Hahndorf Academy), Trudy Dickson (Ambleside Distillers), Carolyn Cattrall (Storison), Sebastian Graham (Hahndorf Leathershop), Jordana O'Sullivan (BeyondInk), Jenny Key (Hahndorf Antiques & Collectibles), Siobhan Daly (German Arms Hotel), Mel Hyder (The Clothing Palette Hahndorf), Jason Duffield (The Haus), and Vanessa Thompson (Bean & Bikkie Co). Picture: Matt Turner.

Buzz Honey owner Annette Ferris said her Main St shopfront had once been a thriving business. “We opened in Hahndorf for brand exposure as international tourists love honey and used to spend a lot of money on our products,” she said.

“When international travel ceased because of Covid, things were still manageable while the interstate borders were open, even though we were operating on a deficit even back then.

“But once those state borders closed, that was it for us.”

Gone Bush Boot and Clothing Co owner Andrew Bailey said a lack of interstate visitors led to the decision to close the shop, which only opened at the start of last year.

“Things certainly would be much better for us if we had interstate visitors from NSW and Victoria but we don’t, so that’s killed it for us,” he said.

“There’s been days where it seemed like there was no one in Hahndorf and we didn’t get a single person into the shop. So for now, the shop is no longer viable but we do hope to re-open another shop in the future as we will retain the brand online.”

Gone Bush Boot & Clothing Co will be closing its doors in October after a difficult year due to Covid. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Sebastian Graham, from Hahndorf Leathersmith, said traders were desperate for borders to reopen and for restrictions – including the wearing of masks – to lift.

“Losing international travellers last year was a big hit but interstate visitors made up for that, but now even that has been taken away from us,” he said. “On top of that, visitors won’t stay and shop because of the whole mask thing as they just don’t feel comfortable browsing around.

“It makes the whole experience very isolating. Hahndorf used to be the most visited town in SA and we need to find our way back to that.”

Tourism Industry Council chief executive Shaun de Bruyn said small business operators were feeling the pinch like never before. “Right now it’s the toughest it’s ever been for small businesses and tourism operators,” he said.

“Places like Hahndorf are doing OK in comparison to some other places around SA but since border closures with NSW in late July, it’s been really tough for a range of businesses, even those that have previously been doing good.

“But if you’re someone who relies on interstate and international visitors … you’re in a world of pain right now.”

He said the only answer was for vaccinations to reopen the country.

A month-long festival is under way in the town in the hope to claw back revenue. Last year’s inaugural “Hahndorf. Handmade. Handcrafted. Hand-picked” event helped raise more than $300,000, something Hahndorf Business and Tourism Association chair Jordana O’Sullivan hoped would be repeated in 2021.